Coupling for trash containers

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a coupling for connecting two trash containers together. This enables householders to pull more containers to the curb with fewer trips. Additional couplers could be used to connect additional containers and form a train of containers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention provides a quick release coupling for joining trashcontainers. The trash situation varies from household to household,people with a small amount of trash would have no use for thisinvention, however those who fill two or more containers could possiblyappreciate the convenience of this device. I first discovered a need forthis coupling when my daughter and her family moved to Los Angeles. Whenmy wife and I would go visit, we would have 7 people living in thehouse. With a weekly trash pick up we would have 4 to 5 full containersto drag to the curb. Since I was retired and had plenty of spare time Ibecame the trash monitor. I quickly realized I needed something to holdthe containers together, so I could cut down the number of trips fromthe back yard to the curb. After trying several designs and severalprototypes I found the time to attach and the time to release thecoupling to be the biggest problem with all the designs. My solution,using the shaft with the quarter turn locking pin proved to be veryquick and easy to use.

2. Description of Related Art

While making a patent search I have not found any reference to acoupling for connecting trash containers. The field of search included;172/605,660,677; 248/129,229,500,630; 280/47.19,47.24;403/315,321,322.1,325,326.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a mechanical device to couple trash containerstogether. The shaft (24) is the centerpiece. Handle (26) is attached atthe top. Spring (27) seats under the handle.

In FIG. (1) the trash containers (21), with up facing handles (22) arejoined by yoke (28), locking pin (25) completes the assembly.

In FIG. (2) the trash containers (33), with down facing handles (29) arejoined by yoke (31), washer (32) provides a lower seat for spring (27).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing objects and many of the attendant advantages of thisinvention will become more readily appreciated as the same becomesbetter understood by reference to the following detailed descriptionwhen taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 Is a side view showing two trash containers, with upward facinghandles, joined by a coupling.

FIG. 2 Is a side view showing two trash containers, with downward facinghandles, joined by a coupling.

1. A coupling having a center shaft with a handle attached at the top, acoil spring surrounding the shaft and seated underneath the handle, ayoke bored to loosely fit the shaft is next assembled on the shaft andprovides the lower seat for said spring, a pin is attached to the bottomof the shaft to form the latching provisions.
 2. A coupling having acenter shaft with a handle attached at the top, a coil springsurrounding the shaft and seated underneath the handle, a flat washerbored to loosely fit the shaft is next assembled on the shaft andprovides the lower seat for said spring, a yoke is attached to thebottom of the shaft.